“I will need to discuss this with Shia.”
This was becoming a real pain. That said, I did see where this girl was coming from. A normal student wouldn’t exactly be powerful enough to be Noa’s guard here, especially since she was a noble. And that wasn’t even counting the trek here from the capital.
“Lady Seleiyu, Yuna is very powerful.”
“If Lady Ellelaura entrusted you to her care, I am sure she can handle herself. However, what if someone more powerful than her appears? What if you were attacked by monsters or bandits on the way from the capital? What would you have done then? Noa, you are in a position where you must think about your own well-being. I believe you should be able to travel back to the capital with Shia, but while you are here, please let me protect you.”
Seleiyu had clearly written me off, but Noa didn’t seem to understand that. She tilted her head.
“Someone stronger than Yuna? I don’t think a person like that exists. Even if we encounter monsters or bandits, I’m sure that Yuna will take care of it.”
Noa knew that I’d saved Misa during an orc attack, and that I’d also taken down bandits in the past. She also knew I’d fought the knight captain, what’s-his-name, for Shia during the academy festival, and that I’d defeated a black viper. She might have even heard about the kraken from Cliff.
Noa probably trusted that I could protect her, no matter who or what showed up.
Under her breath, so Seleiyu couldn’t hear, Noa added, “And we also have Kumakyu and Kumayuru with us.”
“If she really is as powerful as you say, Noir, then wouldn’t she have been chosen to be part of the gathering? If she is only here to support Shia, that’s obviously not the case.”
Right, but that was only because I wasn’t a student. That said, I was wearing a uniform, so I had no idea how to convince her otherwise.
I’d thought taking off my bear onesie would mean I wouldn’t attract trouble. Apparently, the plan had backfired.
“Well...”
Noa looked hesitant. She probably wasn’t sure how to explain everything.
“So if she isn’t good at magic, does she excel in sword fighting?”
At this rate, Noa was going to end up with a new escort. Both Cliff and Shia had asked me to take care of Noa, though, and Noa wouldn’t have fun if she were being protected by someone she didn’t even know. Most importantly, I didn’t want to let Noa down.
So I butted in to deny Seleiyu’s allegations.
“I know how to wield a sword and use magic, so I can protect Noa. She doesn’t need another guard.”
Seleiyu’s eyes went wide with surprise. She probably hadn’t expected me to counter her. She looked at me, then drew closer.
“Pardon me. Please let me see your arm.”
She grabbed my arm herself and pulled up my sleeve.
“Your arms are too pale, soft, and thin to wield a sword.”
Yeah, she had a point. I didn’t have any muscle, and they were kinda doughy.
“May I see your hands too? Please remove those strange gloves.”
“Strange gloves?” Excuse me, but they were clearly bear gloves.
I did as she asked. After pulling off my right black bear glove, I showed my hand to her. She prodded the soft palm of my hand.
“These are not the hands of someone who has practiced holding a sword,” she said decisively after letting go of my hand.
I’d practiced by learning how to use swords in video games. I couldn’t exactly build up muscles from playing video games, and I sure as heck didn’t have any calluses. The only reason I could even hold a sword in this world was because of my bear puppets. With my bear gear on, swords didn’t seem heavy to me, and I was protected from developing calluses.
“You were not chosen to participate in the magic gathering, and you do not seem to have ever held a sword in your life. I can’t accept you as a fitting guard for Noir.”
I could tell Seleiyu wasn’t a bad person. She truly was just worried for Noa. She was the type who tended to force her will on people, albeit with good intentions. In that case, I couldn’t submit. I needed to protect Noa’s freedom—and mine. Plus, if I were usurped here, I’d lose face with Cliff after he left Noa in my care.
“You’re very insistent on Noa having a guard, but you’re a noble too, and it doesn’t look like you have one.”
She was indeed all alone, a noble without a guard.
“I’m in no danger while in the town my father governs over, so I do not need one.”
“Then Noa should be safe while we’re in town too, right?” I tried to catch her in a contradiction.
“But something could happen to her. If anything were to happen to her while she’s in the town ruled over by my father, how could I possibly make it up to Lady Ellelaura or Lord Cliff?”
She wasn’t backing down.
“Then what about if something happens to you?”
“I’m strong enough to take care of myself. I have trained in swordplay since I was a child, and I have some skill in magic, so my abilities are not without merit. I was even selected to be part of the gathering. Please do not compare yourself to me.”
“Then if I win a match against you, you’ll accept me as Noa’s guard?”
“I very much doubt you could do that, but yes, I suppose so.”
“Well, in that case, let’s have a quick duel. If I win, will you stop?”
She looked surprised at first but only for a moment. Then she smiled.
“Ha ha. All right. I think this will be a good way to show you the true limits of your abilities. If I win, then I’ll assign Noir a guard.”
“Okay. But make sure to follow through on your promise if I win.”
So now I was going to duel Seleiyu. I’d gotten dragged into yet another mess…